Gary Lineker may no longer be at the helm of Match of the Day, but the former England striker proved he was still tuned in as the BBC’s flagship football highlights show unveiled its brand-new line-up.
The 64-year-old, who fronted the programme for over a quarter of a century, shared his reaction with fans on social media as the revamped format aired for the first time on Saturday night.
Lineker confirmed last November that Match of the Day would move on without him, and the long-time host was replaced with a rotation of presenters including Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates.
The shake-up represented the biggest overhaul of the show in decades, and Saturday’s episode also marked the debut of Wayne Rooney as a full-time pundit after he agreed a lucrative £800,000 deal to join the team.
Posting a snap of his television screen, Lineker wrote: ‘Can’t miss Match of the Day.’ It marked his first public acknowledgement of the new-look broadcast since his controversial exit earlier this summer.
The ex-England captain also hinted he was enjoying life away from the hot seat. He wrote: ‘I could get used to this,’ alongside a picture of his sofa set-up at home.
Gary Lineker reacted to the new-look Match of the Day following his controversial BBC exit
The 64-year-old took to Instagram to share that he will still be watching the iconic TV show
Lineker appeared to be enjoying life from the sofa as opposed to being in the presenter’s seat
Lineker confirmed his complete departure from the BBC in May.
The former Tottenham man was originally set to front the public broadcaster’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup and the FA Cup this season.
Instead, he stepped down and ‘apologised unreservedly’ after being accused of antisemitism for sharing someone else’s social media post.
He said in a statement: ‘I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.
‘As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
‘However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.’
He left without a pay-off from his £1.4million salary while he, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have continued to work together on the hugely popular ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast.
Lineker presented Match of the Day since 1999 with his 26-year reign making him the longest presenter in the show’s history.
